Report by Community Reporter Dale Sellars
Saturday 5th March saw the opening of the Re:Generation Exhibition at Great Yarmouth’s Public Library. The exhibition showcases at least twenty pieces of work by twelve artists that were hand selected on the basis of whose work was most clearly related to both subjects of regeneration and the town itself. The Exhibition is free to attend and follows the opening hours of the library.
On returning to her hometown Siobhan Johnson, a Fine Art Graduate of De Montfort University and Lead Volunteer for the project was present on opening day to point interest towards the various art works, such as ‘Hope Herrings’, a collaborative piece resulting from open workshops at GFS Platform, North Denes School and Local Guide Groups, it is without doubt one of the most prominent pieces, it features many uniquely decorated hand stitched cloth Herring fish which upon their backs you can read ‘Hope’ messages that were written by the some of the young children who created them. Also on show is a short film including interesting vintage footage of the town courtesy of Colin Tooke. Other works on display are the ‘Wordmap’ photography/poetry pieces by Adam Shawyer and Belona Greenwood, pencil art by Nigel Moody, sculpture by Harry Baker and varied others in all manner of mediums and styles.
Siobhan was available to describe how the exhibition was laid out to embody the Great Yarmouth spirit in terms of past, present and future, the tag line which the Exhibition celebrates and further explained:
‘The ReGeneration Exhibiton’s main aim is to highlight that ‘Yarmouth is a Great place, rich in history and talent’, I returned from Uni last year looking to apply myself with my background in Fine Art. I was asked by SeaChange if I would like to lead this years’ V4V project having been involved with last years‘ Trash Fashion’ exhibition so I was happy to take it on.
I was able to see Great Yarmouth in a whole different light on my return from Uni, sometimes it takes a little distance to see exactly what you’re sitting right on top of, so with some assistance I was able to organise the workshops and manage the project to finally result in the exhibition itself.
Having only organised an Exhibition for my last year of Uni, this was a challenge but turned out to be really rewarding even after feeling quite over-whelmed on the Thursday and Friday before opening!
As part of V4V national project that is funded by V-Inspired, an independent charity for 16 to 25 year olds it creates Youth led arts-based volunteering opportunities that benefit both community and participants. Also supported by an Eastern Region consortium including SeaChange Arts and Great Yarmouth Borough Council, the program provides volunteers with the chance to develop skills, widen experience and bring positive benefits to their community.
Location: Great Yarmouth Library
Duration: Saturday 5th until Saturday 12th March
Opening hours as Library: Mon & Weds 9:00-19:30, Tues, Thur, Fri 9:00-18:00, Sats 9:00-17:00
